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Coastal Carolina running back Ja'Vin Simpkins.
AP
Tuesday afternoon’s Independence Bowl between Coastal Carolina and Louisiana Tech is a mess.
The Chanticleers, which spoiled a 6-3 start with a three-game losing skid to end the campaign, fired head coach Tim Beck and will be led by former La Tech defensive coordinator Jeremiah Johnson for this game only. Johnson will join Kansas State’s staff after the Independence Bowl.
Louisiana Tech’s coaching staff doesn’t have any of those issues, but this could be a pretty big game for Sonny Cumbie, who will be under the microscope after another uninspiring campaign in Ruston.
A loss to Coastal Carolina as a 9.5-point favorite could turn up the heat on Cumbie’s seat even further.
Coastal Carolina vs. Louisiana Tech odds, prediction
The betting market has made it clear which side it likes in this contest. The line has shifted towards the Bulldogs since this line opened, and it only started to slow down once it got close to hitting the key number of 10.
The coaching chaos has certainly played a role in that line movement, but it’s also clear that bettors are playing into the recent form of these two teams. Louisiana Tech finished the campaign with back-to-back wins to get to a bowl game, while the Chanticleers skidded into bowl season.
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs running back Clay Thevenin takes the ball. James Snook-Imagn ImagesBetting on College Football?
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That said, it does seem like this line has adjusted too far based on the actual talent level on display in this matchup. Louisiana Tech was the better team in 2025, but the gap isn’t that wide, especially with plenty of reserves filling in on both sides of this matchup thanks to injuries and opt-outs.
Neither offense profiles like one that should be able to run away with this game, and Johnson’s familiarity with the Bulldogs should help keep the Chanticleers in this contest long enough to cover this two-score spread.
The Play: Coastal Carolina +9.5 (-110, DraftKings)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
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